Travelers Advantage...

FALL GETAWAYS:

LEAF-PEEPING, LAS VEGAS, AND CARIBBEAN SUN & FUN

Whatever your whim, a getaway this fall is easy to plan. From the changing leaves throughout North America to the bright neon of Las Vegas or blue Caribbean waters, the colors of fall await!

THE LURE OF LEAF-PEEPING

When it comes to fall colors, North America is pure pleasure for leaf-peepers. The numerous options can include classic spots like the northeast U.S. and the Mid-Atlantic’s Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as unique possibilities like the northeast of Canada, the Rockies of the U.S. and Canada, and even the vineyards of the west.

In that fall colors are affected by location, temperature, rainfall, and many other ever-changing factors, a little research will go a long way in planning your leaf-peeping getaway. The folks at Travelers Advantage can help decide a destination, as well as choosing the best time to go and the method of getting there and getting around (many veteran leaf-peepers fly to their favorite spots and then rent a car in search of the best colors).

Some top options this fall could include: the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina (try the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway); quieter leaf-peeping over in West Virginia (the Highland Scenic Highway is ‘Almost Heaven’); the easy-to-reach backroads of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine; Canada’s New Brunswick area (including whale watching and lots of fall festivals); Rocky Mountain highs in Colorado, the Canadian Rockies, and more; and vineyard visits to see the changing colors of grape vines in California, Oregon, Washington, New York, Virginia, and elsewhere.

One additional option that’s gaining quickly in popularity is a ‘fall foliage’ cruise along the northeast coast of the U.S. and Canada. “A leisurely cruise enables travelers to take in breathtaking views of fall’s rich colors, while also affording them the opportunity to visit both quaint coastal towns and bustling world-class cities,” says Bob Sharak, executive director and vice president of marketing and business development of Cruise Lines International Association.

“Many travelers find it is an ideal time to vacation and explore these wonderful destinations in cooler temperatures,” continues Sharak. Lines featuring several fall foliage options include Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and many other large and small lines (and ships).

THE LIGHTS OF LAS VEGAS

More than 35 million people typically enjoy the lights of Las Vegas each year, but the fall offers an opportunity to enjoy the city that never sleeps at a slightly slower (and cooler) speed. Smart visitors may also find that the already-low average room rate of just $85 is even lower--and there are more than 125,000 hotel rooms from which to choose!

Las Vegas hotels and resorts have become self-enclosed destinations in their own right, with everything from casinos to restaurants to shopping and shows right on-site. Some veteran Vegas visitors have been known to go straight from the airport to their favorite resort and never leave the property until it’s time to head home. However, with so much to see and do, you’ll likely spend little time in your room.

Once there, it’s a question of what to do next, day and night. Highlights include: casino fun; incredible varied dining; entertainment for every taste; shopping; world-class spas; golf; and daytrips to places like the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. For some unusual ‘fall colors’ simply head to The Strip on any night for a colorful fall display, Las Vegas-style.

THE COLORS OF THE CARIBBEAN

From a better bang for your green buck to shimmering blue waters and white sand beaches, the Caribbean makes for an ideal fall getaway. “With seasonal specials and promotional packages available, the fall is a great time for travelers to visit the Caribbean, because they will find vacation options that are equal in gratification and value,” says Michael Youngman, director of marketing for the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

The list is almost endless, but some top picks this fall include: the Cayman Islands (great diving and other watersports); Jamaica; Aruba; the Dominican Republic; Barbados; Puerto Rico; the U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Martin/St. Maarten; the Mexican Caribbean (including Cancun and the rest of the Yucatan); and, though technically not part of the Caribbean, all that The Bahamas (truly ‘better than ever’) have to offer.

Wherever you choose, Travelers Advantage can help you get the best deal for your green this fall. The colors of the Caribbean might as well be enjoyed with a new bathing suit, purchased with the money you saved by going in the fall.

It’s easy to see why more than leaves are falling this fall. From fall foliage to the lights of Las Vegas and the colors of the Caribbean, fall getaways have never been a better (and more colorful) value!